Old Testament
Joshua 17:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
To the south, it was Ephraim's, and to the north, it was Manasseh's, with the sea as his border. They met together in Asher on the north and in Issachar on the east.
Compare translations
Southward it was Ephraim’s, and northward it was Manasseh’s, and the sea is his border; and they met together in Asher on the north, and in Issachar on the east.
What Joshua 17:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the land allocation for the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh is described. Ephraim's territory is located to the south, while Manasseh's is to the north, with the sea serving as a natural boundary. The two tribes share borders in the regions of Asher to the north and Issachar to the east. This division of land highlights the geographical and tribal relationships among the Israelites as they settle in Canaan. The mention of the sea as a border indicates a clear demarcation of territory, which was important for the tribes to understand their inheritance and responsibilities. The verse emphasizes the unity and coexistence of the tribes, as they are neighbors and share common borders, which would have implications for their interactions and alliances. Understanding these boundaries is crucial for the tribes' identity and their role in the larger narrative of Israel's history.
How to apply Joshua 17:10 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of understanding our boundaries and relationships with others. Just as the tribes had defined territories, we should recognize our roles and responsibilities in our communities. Building healthy relationships requires awareness of where we begin and end in our interactions with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Joshua 17:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Joshua 17:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 17:10 mean?
Joshua 17:10 describes the geographical boundaries of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh in Canaan. Ephraim's territory is to the south, while Manasseh's is to the north, with the sea marking their western border.
What is the significance of the sea in Joshua 17:10?
The sea in Joshua 17:10 serves as a natural boundary that clearly defines the territory of the tribes. This demarcation was important for the tribes to understand their land inheritance and responsibilities.
What does the meeting of Ephraim and Manasseh in Asher and Issachar indicate?
The meeting of Ephraim and Manasseh in Asher and Issachar indicates their geographical proximity and the relationships between the tribes. It highlights the unity and coexistence of the tribes as they settled in Canaan.
How does Joshua 17:10 relate to tribal identity?
Joshua 17:10 relates to tribal identity by outlining the specific territories assigned to Ephraim and Manasseh. Understanding these boundaries helped the tribes define their roles and responsibilities within the larger community of Israel.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.